Upcycling in fashion in Poland - ideas and examples

The concept of recycling has gained significant popularity over the past decade or so. It's hard to find anyone unfamiliar with its meaning. What's the situation with upcycling? Can most of us define it? What does it involve and how can we get involved? Find out in today's post! :)

Upcycling and recycling

Both concepts are related to ecology and although they sound similar at first glance, they have completely different meanings and work in different ways.

Recycling is the process of reusing waste to create a completely new product.
Upcycling also involves reusing existing materials, and the final product made from them gains value.

Upcycling in fashion

The fashion industry has long been criticized for its negative environmental impact and wasteful use of textiles. While many brands still operate in a fast-fashion mode, a growing trend toward a conscious approach to fashion is emerging. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware, limiting their purchases from places that don't care about protecting the planet.

This is why upcycling is becoming increasingly popular in fashion. It involves using existing materials and transforming them into new, fashionable clothing, accessories, and household items. This process not only helps reduce waste but also saves resources and energy that would otherwise be used to produce new materials.

According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry generates an estimated 92 million tons of waste annually . This is a staggering figure, so it's worth exploring solutions that will help reduce it. Upcycling seems to be the ideal solution.

Interestingly, this process benefits not only the environment but also the economy. Companies and designers who engage in upcycling can save on the production of new materials and overall production costs. Ultimately, they can also sell their products at a higher price due to their unique nature. This not only helps these companies thrive but can also create new jobs and boost the local economy.

Upcycling clothes

Upcycling is also a way to express individuality and make a mark on fashion. Many people are looking for ways to break away from mass production and clothing that, despite its original appearance, is ubiquitous. Upcycling gives consumers the opportunity to own unique and durable items that reflect their personal style and values.

We can experience upcycling firsthand – surely you've probably damaged a piece of clothing and thought it was only fit for the trash. All it takes is a touch of creativity, and we can create a project that will have even greater value for us.

Below are three ideas for home upcycling:

ripped jeans - if you have a hole in your jeans, consider whether it is possible to turn them into shorts
Stain on clothes - when you have a stain on your clothes that you can't remove, try dyeing your clothes. We've written an entire post dedicated to this topic → LINK
A skirt/dress that's too long - ask a seamstress if, in addition to shortening the garment, they can create something for you from the remaining fabric. Perhaps this way, you'll have a matching top to go with your beautiful skirt.

Upcycling in Poland

While upcycling is still a relatively new concept in the fashion industry, it is quickly gaining popularity. Many fashion brands and designers are beginning to incorporate upcycling into their business models, and the trend is expected to grow in the coming years.

In Poland, several brands are already actively working in this field. Examples of upcycling include MARUNA from Krakow, Couple Dansant, and Żona Johna.

MARUNA

"Founded in 2008 by Gosia Grodzka, who designs zero-waste accessories and clothing for Polish brands. She runs workshops promoting upcycling as an effective way to combat environmental degradation. She collaborates with numerous institutions and brands, including the Kupuj Odpowiedzialnie Foundation and artist and activist Cecylia Malik." Source: https://maruna.pl/o-mnie/

Couple Dansant

"The brand specializes in reworking vintage clothing. By adding fur boas or fringes to jackets and coats, Couple Dansant gives the clothes a second life. Each product is packaged in a bag made from vintage materials. Couple Dansant products are made by local artisans in Warsaw. Each product is carefully reworked and unique. The brand avoids overproduction of clothing, caring for the environment while offering designs in line with current trends." Source: https://coupledansant.com.pl/pl/content/4-o-nas

John's wife

The brand was created by Ola Rałowska, who specializes in clothing and accessories for women. The dress designs are sewn from old fabrics from the communist era, allowing for the preservation of old materials. The brand began with workshops fostering creativity and therapeutic sewing and embroidery of headbands.

Upcycling in the fashion industry is a trend that offers numerous benefits—from reducing waste and conserving resources, to creating new employment opportunities and providing consumers with unique and sustainable fashion options. This model offers a range of benefits, and consumers are increasingly demanding such eco-friendly solutions.

Be sure to let us know if this concept convinced you and if you know any brands that operate based on its assumptions!